Q0540
“She honorably presides over the mysteries of philosophy.” — Synesius of Cyrene (Synesius of Cyrene, Letter to Herculianus…)
Verified English quotation. Primary source: Synesius of Cyrene, Letter to Herculianus (testimonium on Hypatia). Theme: power.
English
She honorably presides over the mysteries of philosophy.
Source and attribution
The archive attributes this English wording to Synesius of Cyrene, Letter to Herculianus (testimonium on Hypatia) and files it under Neoplatonism. That locator distinguishes the passage from loose internet attributions: readers can return to the named work or section to check translation, surrounding argument, and edition-specific wording.
About Synesius of Cyrene
Synesius of Cyrene studied in Alexandria under Hypatia before becoming bishop of Ptolemais. His letters are among the warmest contemporary witnesses to her teaching and character.
How to read this passage
Philosophers analyze domination, authority, freedom, and the micro-politics of everyday life. Power can enable justice or crush it. This passage enters that discussion through power.
Concepts in this quote
- Power
- Power is the capacity to affect others and to shape what counts as possible—central to politics and ethics.
How to cite this quotation
APA: Synesius of Cyrene. (n.d.). She honorably presides over the mysteries of philosophy. In Philosophy Blind Box. https://www.philosophydef.com/quotes/q0540
MLA: Synesius of Cyrene. “She honorably presides over the mysteries of philosophy..” Philosophy Blind Box, https://www.philosophydef.com/quotes/q0540.
Chicago: Synesius of Cyrene. “She honorably presides over the mysteries of philosophy..” Philosophy Blind Box. Accessed 2026. https://www.philosophydef.com/quotes/q0540.
Frequently asked questions
What is the source of the quotation “She honorably presides over the mysteries of philosophy.”?
The passage is attributed to Synesius of Cyrene, Synesius of Cyrene, Letter to Herculianus (testimonium on Hypatia). The archive attributes this English wording to Synesius of Cyrene, Letter to Herculianus (testimonium on Hypatia) and files it under Neoplatonism. That locator distinguishes the passage from loose internet attributions: readers can return to the named work or section to check translation, surrounding argument, and edition-specific wording.
What does Synesius of Cyrene mean by power?
Philosophers analyze domination, authority, freedom, and the micro-politics of everyday life. Power can enable justice or crush it. This passage enters that discussion through power.